Summer Backpacking Gear Guide
I remember one of my first backpacking trips as a teenager. It was only a few miles into our campsite. I had packed a full table set from home, definitely not enough water, the biggest sleeping pad I have ever seen, and with no room left in my back I actually carried my tent in my hands. Over the many years since then I have found a much better system for enjoying longer backpacking trips. Below is the gear that works best for me, tips I recommend, and some guidance on how to buy gear. There is so much gear on the market it’s tough to know exactly what is going to work for you. So if you're a beginner wanting to get into backpacking, or a seasoned pro and just want another perspective on gear, then this is for you!
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Money Saving Tips!
There is no doubt that gear is expensive. Don’t go out and buy all the gear on this list before your next backpacking trip. I have slowly put all this together over the last several years, and recommend you do as well. Here are a few tip that will help you save money on the next piece of gear you get!
Look for sales! REI, backcountry, and similar companies will hold sales throughout the year. It might not seem like much of a sale but every bit helps when you consider how much it costs.
Shop online at used gear sites. REI has a lot of great gear at a fraction of the price, this is where I find a lot of my gear (they also have this in store).
This may sound counterintuitive but invest in quality gear instead of cheaper gear. This gear will last a lot longer and help you from having to buy gear over and over, saving your money in the long run.
Shop at the end of the season for next year, this is often when the biggest sales are.
Ten Essentials
First thing you should always have and I even bring on all my day hikes as well are your ten essentials. You never know what sort of situation you will find yourself in especially in the backcountry and these ten items may be able to help. They are navigation (map, compass, GPS device, etc.), headlamp or flashlight (not your phone), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), first aid kit, knife, fire (matches, lighter, and fire-starter) shelter (tent, or small tarp), extra food, extra water, and extra clothes!
Backpack
There are a number of core items to have on a backpacking trip and having a reliable backpack is definitely one of them. I have a bit of an obsession with backpacks but I only use one of them for backpacking trips. I’ve used my Osprey pack since I started backpacking. It's durable and very comfortable, and comfort is everything on those long days on the trail with all your gear. Something pretty great about Osprey packs is that if something happens to it they'll replace it or fix it!
Link to most similar pack they make: https://amzn.to/3q6uM0o
Tent
When it comes to your shelter for the night you want something dependable. If you're looking for a two-person, under five pounds, budget friendly, hold up pretty well in wind and rain, then this is for you. I’ve been using the catalyst two person tent for a few years now and don't have too many complaints about it. Weighing just under five pounds isn't the lightest backpacking tent but definitely not the heaviest. This is a Three season tent, although it's not recommended, I have also used it in some winter camping.
Sleeping Pad
A good sleeping pad is important to a good night's rest in the backcountry. My favorite has been the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This pad is lightweight, quick to inflate, and comfortable for after those long days of hiking.
Sleeping Bag
There’s no better feeling than crawling into your warm sleeping bag at the end of a long day falling asleep to the sound of the rain hitting the outside of your tent. I use a Northface 15 degree sleeping bag year round and although it can get too warm in the summer I'll tend to just leave it unzipped and be fine.
Pillow
Trust me when I say it makes all the difference. These things pack up tiny. For many years I would take the bag for my sleeping bag and pack it with clothes and use that as a pillow, trying to “save” room or weight. But the NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow is so lightweight it's a must on every trip now.
Cooking System
Hands down one of my favorite pieces of camping gear is my jetboil. I use it all the time even on day hikes, and road trips. Being able to boil water for my meal, or coffee in less than a min is game changing. The compact size and way everything fits into itself make it perfect for backpacking trips. It is a bit more expensive than some alternative options on the market but for the convenience, ease, and efficiency it's worth the extra $$.
Coffee Maker
Something that isn't necessary but worth the extra weight for me is the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press. Makes a much better cup of coffee than instant coffee and has a cup with it so I don’t always bring another one.
Food
I will usually bring dehydrated meals, one per meal plus a day. Then I’ll go to the store and get a bunch of snacks, Granola bars, fruit, dried mangos, ect. I try and pick food that are easy to cook (just add water), little to no clean up, and use little packaging (less to packout)
Water Filter
This past summer I added the Gryal to my kit. This water bottle purifier is really convenient to have. I prefer this over other options because it doesn't take up any more room than a water bottle. I can use it to both clean my water and hold it to drink from.
Lantern & Headlamp
I love the Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern. They pack up really small and take no space in my pack and perfect for inside the tent at night or anywhere else you might need more light. Also don’t forget a headlamp, these work great for setting up camp in the dark, or hiking hands free in the dark.
Bear Protection
Most places I backpack bears aren't a concern however whenever i'm in bear territory I always have bear spray on my chest ready, and bring a bear canister or hang a bear bag when I get to camp. It's important you keep everything with a scent sealed and away from bears.
Extras
A few other items that might be nice to have would be a rain cover to keep your pack dry while hiking. A power bank to recharge your phone. A pair of sandals for camp, a camera, deck of cards, camp chair, the list goes on of things you can bring but really aren’t necessary.
Clothing
Boots
Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to boots. There are so many out there and they all fit a little differently. I prefer a mid ankle style for better support. I currently use the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Aeros and have used a pair of northface boots in the past that I really liked (similar to the VECTIV Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT)
Base Layer
The key to never being too hot or too cold is layers. I almost always start with just an athletic polyester T-Shirt and build from there.
Warmer Layer
Next i'll have a little thicker layer like a fleece hoodie or thin insulated jacket
Insulated Jackets
Even in the summer I'll pack my insulated jacket. You never know what the weather is going to be in the mountains. They can be pricey but If you treat these jackets well they'll last for forever. The one I've been grabbing lately is the Ghost Whisperer™ UL Jacket from Mountain Hardwear.
Socks
Socks are key in preventing blisters and keeping you on the trail. In the summer months I'm always going with a thinner pair over heavy wool socks. I recommend Smartwool socks.
Sunglasses
The GoodR sunglasses are my favorite sunglasses. They’re inexpensive and great for any physical activity.
Last thoughts
The most important items are your Ten Essentials, always bring those and have a solid plan of where and when you’re going. Start with the items you have and can borrow from friends and family and go from there. Don’t let the gear hold you back from getting out and enjoying the great outdoors!
